in colorado a new cnn/opinion research poll shows the president leading by two. finally to michigan where a new epic poll shows the president ahead by six, 48%, 42%. we'll be right back. >>> for the past few days all of us have been focused on one of the worst storms in our lifetimes, and we're awed and humbled by nature's destructive power. i was out in new jersey yesterday and saw the devastation, and you really get a sense of, you know, how difficult this is going to be for a lot, a lot of people. >> welcome back to "hardball." that was president obama earlier today. voters are overwhelmingly supportive of his handling of the storm. a "washington post"/abc poll shows 78% give him a positive rating for his efforts these past few days. during his re-election pause, if you call it that, mr. obama reminded americans he has presidential duties and also found a couple unlikely friends along the way, one being new jersey governor chris christie and now tonight a big one, new york mayor michael bloomberg. with both sides back to regular base, what will sandy's lasting